On 16 february the day of sivarathri we planned to visit 1000yrs old siva temple. We visited Kaleeswaram of Karimnagar district Ap. One of the trilinga desam, thousand pillar temple, and Badrakali temple of Hanumakonda.

We hired a sumo for our trip. We were eight of us and the cost worked out to Rs500 per head. We started from our place Sainikpuri, Secunderabad AP, at 5.30 am and returned back at 9pm.

Kaleswaram

Kaleeswaram Siva temple on the bank of River Godaveri. Triveni sangamam of rivers Godaveri, Saraswathi and Pranahitha.

We reached the temple at 11am. The distance is about 305 kms. We reached and from there via Parkal we reached Kaleeswaram. We went to dip our legs in the river, and on our way to temple to right we saw Sangameswara and Dattatreya in different temples. We proceded towards main temple.

Sivarathri being annual celebration in the temple there was crowd, we made through by taking a ticket for special darshan.

Kaleeswara temple: We find two deites on same avudai (base). Only one of its kind. One to the left is Kaleeswara and the other to right is Swayambu linga known as Muktheeswara.

Muktheeswara linga has two holes on it like nostrils. Any amount of water poured on linga enters through the hole and joins the River Godavari, something unique.

The sthala purana of the temple is once Narada muni raised a doubt with Godaveri and Ganga as to who is great. They started arguing and finally Ganga said she is powerful because lord Siva is on banks of River Ganges at Varanasi to bestow moksha to people who worship there.

Godaveri had no words to say. She wanted to prove herself competent to Ganga. She started penancing at the banks of Godaveri to be blessed by Siva. One day siva asked her what she wants. Godaveri asked Siva to reside on the banks and to bless people who worship there. Siva said yes and he said people attain moksha by touching, think or visit and worship. He formed as a Swayambu linga known as Muktheeswara.

The other linga known as Kaleeswara was installed by Yamadarma. There was no work in yamalokha because of Muktheeswra. He wanted to do something about it and approached Narada muni who took him to Brahma who guided him to Siva. On hearing to his complaint Siva asked him to install a linga by name Kaleeswara next to Muktheeswara on the same base and worship. He said first pooja is to Kaleeeswara and then to Muktheeswara otherwise Yama has full rights to punish them.

Goddess Parvathi is in different sanctum and there is a Srichakra yantra in front of her. There are other dieties like Vijaya ganapathi, Vishnu, Subramanya, Kasi visweswarar, Kala bairavar and Navagraha. To the front of the temple we see Yamakonam if one passes through that they will be relieved of all tortures in Yamapuri.

We see a Saraswathi devi temple outside the main temple. She is known as Maha saraswathi.

Thousand pillar temple:

The temple is in, Hanumakonda 6kms from Kazipet junction. It was built by Kakatiya King Rudra deva. The temple is in star shape and there are three shrines to lord Siva, Vishnu, and Surya.

Now we see only Siva linga there and other two is not to be found. The pillars of the temple is richly carved. There is a large black Nandi placed on an open platform.

Badrakali temple:

The temple is about a kilometer from thousand pillar temple. The temple is famous and well known. It’s a very old temple of 800 hundred years. The temple is extended without disturbing the old sanctum.

Badrakali is of stone and huge one in sitting posture with eight hands. Here we see her sitting on Sadasivan. Santha swaroopini in this place.

Main deity:Swayambu linga known as Kumbeswarar and Mangala nayaki. Prithivi sthalam. The top portion of ling is sharp.(kuda mukku)Teertham: is Mahamaga teertham and Surya pushkarani.

Importance: when the end of universe was happening a pot of nectar was floating, Siva took the form of kratha and destroyed the pot and he opted to stay in the place where the main temple is now says sthala purna. This place is one of the sakthi peetam and Goddess is known as Manthra peedeswari.

Kumba mela is once in 12 years. At that time kumeswara in rishba vahana and pancha moorties visit the mahamaha tank. Purana says that all the rivers are present in tank at that auspcious time. This is one of the saptha sthana sthalam.

Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Siva.

Nageshwarar:

One of 275 important temples of Siva.

Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Nageshwarar and Periya nayaki. The base of linga is huge. Sthala vruksham is Vilvam.

Importance: The pot of nectar when it was broken to pieces vilva formed as a siva linga and known as Nageshwarar. Adi seshan was unable to bear he weight of the universe. He approached Siva who asked him to worship here, and gained strength. The nataraja mantapa is in the form of charriot with 2 horses and 4 elephants.

Sun pays, his homage to Siva on April 11, 12,and 13 and these days sun light falls on main deity Siva.

Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva.

chakkrapani temple: Vishnu temple.

Main deity: chakkrapani iw seen with 8 hands holding, sanku, chakkra, bow, axe, shovel, gadai, stick, and lotus. Chakkrapani and his consort vijayavalli thayar are seen in standing posture. We see chakkra at the back of god.

Suns haughtyness about his brightness was subdued by lord chakkrapani. Agni and Brahma worshipped vishnu here. Chakkrapani here is an example for siva vishnu tathvam.

Banapureeswarar: Siva temple.

Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Banapureeswarar and Soma kamalambikai.

Importance: Siva as Kradha moorthy broke the pot of nectar by his arrow in this place, hence the name banadurai.

Importance: sthala ganesha known as Valamburi ganesha. Linga is of mud and small in size. Impression of hands are visible on linga. Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva.

Someswarar:

One of the 275 important temples of Siva. The temple is near portamari kulam (pond).

Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Someswara and his consort Soma sundari.

Importance: Moon worshipped Siva here and hence the name Someswarar. In the month of february / march on he day of Maga star all 9 river goddess meet here. When they all come goddess embraces god out of fear. Hence the Siva is known by name Kayaroganar. The hanging (uri) fell in this place so he is called as sikkaserar.

Sambandhar sang hymns on siva.

Kasi Viswanadhar: Siva temple.

This temple is to north of mahamaga pond.

Main deity is Kasi Viswanadhar and Visalakshi amman.

Importance: All 9 river goddess Kaveri, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Narmada, Krishna, Godavari, Tungabadra, and Sarau are in temple. This is the only temple where we see all of them together.

Purana says they are waiting there to take a dip along with Siva. Agastyar asked Rama to worship Siva here to overthrow Ravana and Rama did as per wishes of muni and Siva was pleased with him. Rudra amsa was given to Rama, hence siva is known as Kayarogaranar.

Abimukeswarar: Siva temple.

This temple is to the east side of mahamaga pond.

Main deity: Swyambu linga known as Abimukeswarar and his consort Amudha valli.

Importance: During the dooms day Siva took the form of hunter and broke the pot of nectar at that time the coconut fell here and swayambu linga and coconut plant came up hence the name Narikesaran.

The temple is important place for thula rasi people. When Nava kanniyar river goddess came siva turned around to give darshan for them so he is known as Abimukeswarar.

Gowthameswarar: Siva temple.

The temple is to south west of mahamaga pond.

Main deity is Swayambu linga known as Gowthameswarar and his consort Souandra nayaki. Teertham is Gowthama teertham.

Importance: The thread around the kumba fell here and linga formed and known as Gowthameswaran. Gowthama muni to get rid of the sin due to killing of a cow he worshipped siva here and made a pond.

Vedanarayana perumal: Vishnu temple.

Importance: Perumal Vishnu in the form of Brahma with Saraswathi and Gayatri known as Vedanarayana swamy in standing posture Here Brahma is with 4 faces. Narashimar is also seen here.

Koranattu karuppur:

Siva temple and Petti kali amman. The place is about Kumbakonam to Annaikarai 3kms is Karrupur Or patalavanam.

Main deity: Sundareswarar and his consort Abhirami ammi

Importance: Petti kali amman came floating shore in this place. She was kept in temple and worshipped. The box is opened only once in a year with all rituals.

Sarangapani temple:

One of 108 Divya desam. The temple is near Portamari kulam.

Main deity is Sarangapani in sleeping posture and his consort Komalavalli thayar. Teertham is Hema pushkarani.

Importance: There are 2 main doors known as utharayana and dakshinayana doors. uthsava vigraha has bow in his hand hence the name Sarangapani. The main gopuram is third highest one of vishnu temple 150 feet. The temple has vasantha mandapam and 100 pillar mandapam. Other deities like Sreenivasar, Krishna, Andal Gopalan, and Garuda are there. Lakshmi got married to perumal in the name of Komala valli the daughter of Hema muni.

Ramaswamy Temple:

The temple is in Kumbakonam Town near Kumbeswarar Temple.
The main raja Gopuram is of five stories with single prakaram.

There is a big corridor with beautiful sculptured pillars. Every piece of work is really amazing. The temple was renovated during Raghu Nayakar period.

The main deity is Sri Ramar with his consort Seetha, his brothers, Lakshmana, Baratha, Sathrugna and Hanuman in pattabishekam form.

Importance: Thadakai was worshipping God for a child.One day when she was performing pooja and she was about to garland the God at that time her saree was about fall down and she managed to hold it and try to put the garland. Siva wanted to help her in putting the garland to him so he bent down to front.

From that day the Deity was not straight. King tried to straighten with his labor power but failed in the task.Kukuliakalai nayanar an ardent devotee of Siva and one of the nayanmars tied a chain to his neck, and to linga. He tried to straighten it by his devotion.

Sambandhar Navakkuarasar hymns about Siva here. Arunagirinadhar ’s contribution to Thirupugazh.Temple is also known as Thadagaeeswaram and lord as Thadagaeesaramudaiar.

Senganoor:Vishnu temple.

The temple is about 13kms from Adhurai and 18 kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Sreenivasa perumal in standing posture and a Siva temple also, which we missed.

Keezhi pazharai:

Siva temple one of 275 Devara sthalam.
The place is about 2kms from patteeswaram.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Somanadhar and somakalambikai.
Teertham: Soma teertham.Sthala Vruksham is Nelli (amla).

Importance: Garuda wanted to release his mother from being a slave so he got pot full of nectar from Indra as he was on his way back he was attacked by asuras and three drops of nectar fell down in this place. Each drop formed as Linga, Goddess and teertham.

Garuda had a dip in the teertham and worshiped Siva here and was blessed. He made a pond known as Jatayu teertham. Chandra was blessed in this place from the curse he had and it was changed to that he to grow from the half moon day and gradually decreasing from full moon day onwards. It was second capital city of Cholas.

This place is known Pancha vilvaarayana kshetra. It is about 3kms from Adudhurai.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Manaokyanadhar and his consort Anoopamasthini amman.

Sthala Vruksham known as Vilvam.Teertham: Brahma teertham as a well, Devi, Baradwaja and Markendeya teertham.

Importance: Brahma lingamis there in the temple which was worshipped by Brahma. Oil abishekam to the main deity linga is absorbed fully. Siva after drinking the poison chose this place and took the form of linga to reside and hence the place is known as Neelakudi.

Vilva leaf is 5 in number in this place which is unusual.Navakkuarasar was chained by king and thrown into sea.

Navakkuarasar sang hymns about Siva of this place and was able to float and reach the shore.

Adhudurai: Siva temple.

This is one of 275 important ones..

The place is about 3kms from Thiruvidaimarudhur.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Abathsahayeswarar and his consort Pavalakodiammai. Teertham known as Sakaya teertham.

Importance: Sugreeva worshipped Siva in this place, hence the name Thenkuranguaduthurai.

Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang hymns about Siva here.

Thiru kanjanoor: Siva temple.

One of 275 important ones and as well as Navagraha kshetram. the place is about 4kms from Adudhurai.

Main Deity: Swayambu lingam known as Agneeswarar and his consort Karpagambikai.

Sthala Vruksham is Palasa tree.Teertham is cauveri

Importance: Kanjan and (sukra) worshipped in this place so it is known as kanjanoor. Sivacharya named Haradatta sat on iron stool in the middle of fire to prove Lord Siva as Almighty in this place. There is a separate sanctum for him in this temple and the linga which he worshipped.

One of 108 Divya Desam temples. the place is about 2kms from pazhiarai, and 14kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Jaganadhar and Senbagavalli Thayar,in sitting posture.Teertham is known as Nandi teertham.

Importance: Sthala Vinayakar is Siddhi vinakayar. Nandi worshipped Siva in this place. Jaganadha perumal with Sword, Bow, Chakram, Sanku and Dandam in his hand. On friday's special abishekam is performed. Wishes are fulfilled in this temple.

Aandan Koil:

one of 275 important Siva Devara sthalam. the place is about 2kms from Valangimaan.

Main deity: Swayambu linga known as Swarnapureeswerar and sornambikai amman.
Sthala Vruksham is Vanni.

Importance: The accountant of King used the money for temple building and renovations without the permission of King. Regarding this the accountant was asked to meet the King. He dare to meet the king and committed suicide. King asked his workers to remove the dead body away from the town. Wife of the accountant appealed to Goddess Mangala nayaki for justice. Her prayer was answered and her husband came to life. This is the place were navagraha’s worshipped and got rid of their sins.

Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang about Siva.

Sooryanar temple:

Lord Siva and Navagraha temple.

The place is about 2kms from from Aduthurai.

Main Deity: Viswanadhar and his consort Visalakshi ammai.

Teertham: Surya teertham. Sthala Vinakar: Kolteertha vinakayar.

Importance: Navagraha's have separate sanctum in this place and there are constructed around Surya in their respective place. Navagraha’s here are without their Havana and weapon as Anugraha moorties.

Kalava muni suffered of leprosy for his sin, but he was helped by navagraha’s in changing his time of sin. Brahma was not happy with navagaraha’s action and punished them.

To get rid of their sin Navagraha‘s worshipped Siva of Thirumangalakkudi Prananadeswarar. So one has to worship in both Surayanar temple and Thiru Mangalakudi Siva also for full effect.

Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva as well as navagraha’s.

Melmaruthuvakudi: Siva temple.

The plaace is about a 1km to Adhudurai.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Iravadeswarar and his consort Abhirami.

Importance: The linga portion is white in colour and mud sort of material so abishekam is performed with kavacham on linga portion. Iravadham worshipped in this place and was blessed.

A learned Brahmin who was too greedy and stared taking til dhana which fetches more money because the person will be transferring his sin also. Over a period the Brahmin became black and huge ugly figure due to sins he accumulated. To get back to normal form he started penance in the middle of fire for 12 years. Siva was pleased with his worship and granted boons. Again he started troubling everyone.

Indra was afraid of Brahmin and he worshiped Iravadeswara of maruthuvakudi. Siva sent Akoramurthy to punish brahmin and to take him in custody. . Since he was a devotee Siva excused him for his sin and made him incharge for nandavanam.

Vinayaka here is known as Vrichaka Vinayaka. One can see numerous scorpio like thing engraved on Ganesha all over. Ganesha like this is no where.

Importance: Pot of Amrutham was kept here by devas and asuras, after returning from bath they were not able to remove it and they found it deep rooted upto padala and it was in the form of linga. Brahma was given a vilva pathra and told by Siva, where the vilva grows within a moohurta (3 hrs) in that place he will get gyana upadesam, and it was this place.

Markendeya sought the help of Siva when he was chased by yama, Siva kicked yama to protect his devotee Markendeya and was blessed to be always 16 yrs. There is Kala samhara moorthy and Balambiki with markendeya with folded hands, and standing in front of Lord Siva. During the time of arathi they remove the silver kavacham and we can see Siva kicking yama and he is under the foot.

Abhirama battar sang Andadhi on goddess to change half moon day into full moon day. This is one of the Sakthi peetam. 1008 sanku abishekam performed here is well known.

one of 275 important Sivs Devara Sthalam. the place is about 5kms from Semponar koil. The village is known as Thiru Akkoore and temple known as Thanthondri madam.

Main Deity: Thaanthondreappar and Valnedungkannammi.Teertham is Kumudha teertham. Sthala vruksham is Sarakondri.

Importance: Chola raja used to feed 1000 members daily. One day God was one among the people who ate food and he appeared in front of everyone with a stick in his hand. We can see the sculpture in the temple. This is birth place of sirappuli nayanar.

Importance: Semponnal roofing so the place is known as Semponarkoil. Indra was able to defeat Vrithirasuran after praying Siva so this place is named as Indrapuri. Subramanya worshipped Siva and was able to defeat Tharasuran so Skandapuri.

Veerabadharar took birth in this place to kill Daksha. Agastiar, Brahama, Vasista, Nagakanyas, Ashtadikbalakas worshipped in this place. April 21-27 the sun rays falls on Siva.

Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang hymns about Siva.

Parasaloore:

one of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalam. The place is about 2kms from Semponar temple.

One of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalams. the place is about 7kms from Adudhurai.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Thoraikattum vallalar and and Veurutholiamman.Teertham is Cauveri.Sthala Vrukasham is Vilamaram.

Importance: Brahmin boy Arulvithan used to worship god with flowers which he used to get from his place and he crossed the river to reach the temple. One day river was flooding and he was struggling to cross with the flower basket in hand. He started shouting and and asking him to help in reaching the shore. Siva showed the shore for him so the name Thoraikattum vallal. (thurai means shore)

Dharmapuram:

Durgai amman temple. Goddess Durga with 16 hands here.

Mailadhurai:

One of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalam. the place is about 21kms from Seergazhi.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Mayuranadhar and Abhayambky.
Teertham: Rishaba teertham and Brahama teertham.

Importance: Goddess worshipped Siva in the form of peacock so the place known as Mailadhurai (peacock).Ganges comes here to bathe once in a year and get rid of sins which human being pass on to her by taking a dip. So the place is considered equal to Kasi. Visvanadhar and Visalakshmi are in a sanctum near the bathing ghat.

One of the important festivals is all the Deities around the place come down to the Rishba teertha ghat in the month of Thula.Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Siva. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh.

Main Deity: Parimala Ranganadhan or Sugandhavana nadhan and Parimala ranganayaki or Pundareekavalli. The deity is in sleeping posture with four hands.
Importance: Cauvery sangamam into sea. cauvery is near the head side and Ganges the leg side of main deity.

Importance: Kapala of Brahama which was hanging in the hands of Siva left him only after worshiping Vishnu at this place. Separate Brahma, Vishnu and Siva temples are near by.

Tanjaiyalinagar: Vishnu temple

Distance: 4kms from Tanjore. Three temples together are considered as one Divya desam. Markendya has seen the perumal of all the three places. Rama teertham is common for all the three temples. There is only one pujari for all three temples. Utsavar is known as Sriman Narayanan.

Siva temple one of 275 important ones. This Place is about 9kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Maha Linga perumal and Perunalam mulaiamman and Moogambiky in different sanctum.Teerthamm: karunya teertham.

Importance: Brhamahathi dosham of king Varaghuna pandiya was removed in this place. The temple has 2 entrances, one should make it a point to enter from the main entrance which leads to Siva temple and then worship Goddess and return by the different way .

We see a small brhamahathi to the left corner of main entrance celing, who is still waiting for the return of king.

Importance: Sivayogi muni and his 6 brothers did penance here and were merged with Lord Siva. They say 7 hair strings at the back of linga are still there. In this temple everything is different than usual. Here nandi comes first then bali peta and dwajastamba. There are 4 Biravas in same place.

Sambandhar sang about Siva.

Thiruvisaloore:

one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. the place is about 24kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Swayambu lingam known as Karkadeswarar and Arumarundha nayaki ammai Teertham is Pankaya teertham and Cauveri. Crab worshiped Siva here and hence the name Karkata.

Importance: King was suffering from severe stomach ache from long time and maruthavas were not able to cure him. King worshiped God. Siva appeared in the form of maruthavar (doctor)and he was asked to dig at a place. King did accordingly and he found a Siva linga with blood and a cut on the top,next moment he was, relieved of pain and maruthavar disappeared.

King built a temple for the linga which was found. U can see the cut on the top portion of linga into two. Kataka rasi sthalam. Chandra in this place is in yoga posture. Chandra dosha nivarana sthalam.

Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sung about Siva.

Thirukkarugavoor:

One of 275 important siva Devara Sthalam. The place is about 22kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Mullaivana nadhar and karukatha nayaki or Gasrba Rakshambikai. Sthala Vruksham is Mullai.

Importance: Prutshivi moorthy. Huge linga and one can see the mark of the creeper around it. Orphan pregnant girl here was taken care of her pregancy period so the Goddess known as Karukatha nayaki and the place as karukavoor.

Wife of Nindhuva had a curse of abortion by Urthuva rishi and her pregnance was taken care by the Goddess. Pregnant ladies pray for safe and easy delivery of child. Abortation or death due to pregnancy does not take place here.

Appar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord siva of this place.

Papanasam:

This is one of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalam. the place is about 16 kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity:Ramalinga swamy and Parvathavardhini amman.Sthala Vruksham is Villvam. Teertham is Surya teertham.

Importance: Siva here was installed by Rama to get rid of his sin killing kara dushana in war. There are 108 lingas installed by rama and got rid of his sins hence the place called papavinasam. U can see Surya moorthy and Hanumantha lingam.

Thirupanthurai:

One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.

The place is about 11kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity is Swayambu linga known as Palaivanadhar and Davalavennagaial.
Sthala Vruksham is Panai maram. Teertham are Indra, Vashista, Yama, and Cauveri.

Name: Panai maram as sthala vruksham on the bank of kuda muruti river so the place is known as palaithurai.

Importance: The miracle here is colour of the deity changes 5 times in a day. The story is Brungi muni was ardent devotee of Lord Siva and he was not ready to worship the Goddess.

At the back of linga we see sculpture of Lord Siva and Paarvathi together in bridal form. Parvathi thought that muni has no way to avoid worshipping both of them but the muni took the form of vandu (bee family)and started worshipping,Siva by flying around Him leaving Parvathi.

Hence there are small holes on the Siva linga. Devas, muni, kuntidevi, and Dharumasanen worshiped Siva. Kalika devi with 8 hands also resides in this place taking care.

One of 275 Siva Devara sthalams. The place is about 6kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Denupureeswarar and Amman Gyanambikai.
Teertham is Gyanavavi. Sthala Vruksham is Vanni.

Importance: Siva asked Nandhi Devar to move aside so that he can see Sambandhar who is been invited by Muthupandhar. Markandeya and Viswamitra worshiped in this place.

Sambandhar sang hymns on Siva. It dates to Tanjai Nayaka period.

Another important thing is to the north entrance u can have darshan of Durgai amman which is popular.

Thirusakthimuttram:

One of 275 important Siva devara Sthalams. The place is about 6kms from Kumbakonam. The temple is in the next lane to patteeswaram temple.

Maiin Deity: known as Sivakozindeeswarar and Periyanayakai amman./b>Vinayakar known as Vallabha Vinayakar. Teertham isSoola teertham.

Importance: Goddess Uma devi worshiped and embraced Siva hence the name sakthimuttram. one can see this near karbha graha and sthala murti as goddess embracing Siva is also there as Itheeka murthi.

Navakkuarasar was asked by Siva to go Nallore to get deeksha from him. Navakkuarasar sang hymns about Lord Siva. Sekkizhar has mentioned about Siva of this place in his book Periya puranam.

Thiruvalanzhui:

One of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalams . Vinayaka temple. The place is about 7kms from Kumbakoonam.

Main Deity:Swayambu linga known as Valazhuinadhar and Periyanakai amman.Teertham is cauveri, Arasalaru and Jada teertham. Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam.

Importance: Once River cauveri was flowing through the place she entered into the hole (piladwara) and she went down till padalalokam. Eranda maharishi entered into the hole and brought Cauveri back to earth and when she came out she took a round and started following and hence the name b>Valanzhui.

Eranda muni sculpture is seen here. Adiseshan worshipes Siva on Sivarathri day here. Vinayaka here, is of see water bubbles. There is no abishekam for him in this place.

One of six important place of Murugan and one of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalams. the place is about 7kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Subramanya Sunderaswar and Meenakshi.

Importance: Subramanya conveyed the meaning of pranava in this place to Lord Siva like a Guru and student. the temple is 60' height deity is known as Nadha perumal sanctum.

There are 60 steps, after climbing 28 steps we come to a floor, here we see Meenkshi and Sunderaseewarar perumal. when u go round the corridor we see Dakshin moorhy, Vinakar, Soma skander, Vislakshi Viswanadher, Durgai, Navagraha, Chandikeswarar, Subramanya with Valli, and Devainai.

One of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalams. the place is about 50kms from Kumbakonam and 3kms from Vaideeswaran temple.

Main Deity: Swayamu linga known as Sivalokha nadhan and Sokkanayaki amman,Sthala Vruksham is Punga tree. Teertham is Rishba teertham.

Importance: Nandhanar ardent devotee of Siva was not allowed inside the temple, so siva asked Nandi to move from its place so that he can have darshan of Siva from the road itself. There is a sculptdure of Nandhanar with a bowl in his hand, near the gate.

Navakkuarasar, Sundarar and Sambandhar sang about Siva.

Thiruvellakulam: Vishnu temple.

One of 108 Divya desam. the place is about 7kms from Seergazhi.

Main Deity: Sreenivasan and Alarmelmangai.(standing posture)Teertham is Thiruvellakulam.

Importance: One of 11 Tirupathi of Thirunangoore. The place is known as Then Tirupathi. Swetharaja, son of Thenthuraman of Surya vamsa was blessed by lord Sreenivasa for a long life like Markendya. Initally his life span was only 9yrs.

He visited the temple had a dip in swetha pushkaram and started doing mruthyanjaya japam under vilva tree, and got blessed. Thirumangi Azhwar got married to Kumudha valli in this place.

Thiru semponsei koil: Vishnu temple.

One of 108 important temples. the place is about 5kms from Thirunangoore.

Main Deity:Perarulalan and Allimamalar nachiar. Utsavar known as chemponarangar.Teertham is Hema pushakarani and Kanaka teertham.

Importance: Rama stayed at Druda Nethra muni’s place and donated a golden cow to brahamin to get rid of his sin. The brahamin built this temple by the money he got out of cow. Hence the name.

Siva to get rid of his brahamathi dosham performed Ekadasa rudhra, at this place. Vishnu with Bhooneela and devas gave darshan. Rudra requested him to stay at this place and bless devotees. 11 Garuda seva utsavam of Thirunangoore is famous.

Thiruvenkadu:

One of 275 important siva Devara Sthalam ones. Budha parihara sthalam. the place is about 50kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Swetharanyeswarar and Brahama vidya nayaki.Sthala Vriksham is vadavala tree, Vilvam and Kondrai.Teertham is Surya, Soma and Agni.

Importance: Three deities are there. Swethyaranyeswarar, Natarajar and Akora moorthy. There are 6 temples equal to Kasi, this is one among them.

There is a separate sannidhi for Budha, one of the shakti peetams. Sambadhar, Sundarar, Navakkurasar and Manikkavasakar sang hymns in this place.

Keezhperumpallam: Siva temple.

Ketu parihara sthalam. The place is about 8km from Seergazhi.

Main Deity: Naganatha Swamy

Importance: This is Ketu parihara sthalam. This is the place where asura was caught disguising as a deva for Amrutham. He was idenfied by Surya and Chandra, and handed over to Vishnu, who punishes him with the serving spoon resulting in creation of Rahu and Ketu.

Melaiperumpallam:

One of 275 important Siva Devara Sthalam, the place is about 5 kms from Sembanar temple.

Main Deity: Swayambhu linga known as valampura nadhar and Vadurvahirkanni ammai.Shthalavruksham is Panai. Teertham: Brahma, Lakshmi and Swarna pankajam

Importance: There is a cavity over upper portion of linga. Abishekam is done only after covering. (kavacham) Vishnu left back Lakshmi with Goddess to do penance. He returned with sanghu and chakra, in this place he got hands to hold it says sthala puranam.

Eraranda muni who entered into phila dwara in Thiru valanzhui came out here. He has a separate sanctum here. Bikshadana moorthy was found here in the pond. After his death Dananjaya the King of magada asked his son to dissolve his bones in the teertha were it blooms into flower. This is the place where it happened. Kings sculpture is there in the temple.

When Saint Pattinathar had his meal here the king was relived of his sin occurred due to lady curse. Sambandhar, Sundrar Appar sang hymns about Siva here.

Thalachangkadu: Siva temple.

one of 275 impotant Siva Devara Sthalam. the place is about from Akkoore.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Sangarunatheswarar and Amman Sowandra nayaki.Sthala vruksham is Purasu. Teertham is Sanku teertham.

It’s a very old banayan tree and its roots falling to ground, had multiplied into numerous trees.

The trees have grown so close it looks like cave. Ganesha which was kept long back is now seen under the shelter of tree, as a room protecting him from rain and sun.

The main tree is in ruins and supported by its roots the stands majestically.

Sivapuram: Siva Devara sthalam

one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The place is about 7kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity is Swayambu linga known as Sivapuranadhar and singaravalli.Sthala vruksham is Sanbakam. Teertham is Chandra pushkarani and Surya teertham.

Importance: Vishnu worshiped Siva in the form of Varaha. Guru and; Rahu are together in this place which is a rare combination. symbal of Bairava is dog. Here the left ear of dog which is near Bairava is lifting up as if your prayers are heard by him and forwarded.

Sambandhar, and Navukkuarasar sang about Lord Siva. here

Azagaputhoor: Siva temple

one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalams. the place is about 10kms from Kumbakonam,and 3kms from Nachiayar koil.

Main Deity:Swayambu linga known as padikasualitha paraman and Amman Azagammi
Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is known as Arasalaaru.

Importance: Pugazahthunai nayanar worshipped and attained eternity. Lord Muruga in the form of Vishnu.

Theperumanallore:

Siva temple. The place is about 8kms from Kumbakonam.

Main Deity: Viswanadhar. Annadhana Dakshinamoorty is important here.

Thripuvanam:

Siva temple one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.

Main Deity is Swayambu lingam known as Kambakareswarar or Saranadhar and Aramvalartha nayaki. Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham known as Saraba teertham.

Importance: Lord Vishnu took the form of Narashima to kill Hiranyakasyap and he became too ferocious and un controlable. Indra and others were worried. They requested Siva to help in cooling down Narashima.

Siva took the form of Saraparavai and he started pokeing Narashima and drank the blood, doing so he was cooled and became normal. Lord Sarabeswara has a separate sanctum for him in the temple. Worries of Devas was taken care by Lord Siva hence the name Kambakareswarar.